Would you eat off a dirty plate – or buy food from a supermarket with filthy shelves? Of course not.
Yet many of us reach into the fridge for leftovers without a second thought about its cleanliness. We leave half-open tins or fresh produce in the bottom drawers and rarely (if ever) give them a thorough clean. And we notice that slightly off smell for days before we discover the slightly moldy piece of fruit.
Well, there’s a global day for cleaning your fridge. (Yes, really!) November 15 is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. It’s a fantastic time to clean and organize your fridge space ahead of the holidays.
So, when you put the leftover turkey on the shelf, you can be sure it’s not being exposed to all kinds of bugs and bacteria. Trust us – cleaning out your fridge isn’t just about space; it can change your health.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Cleaning Your Built-In Fridge
1. Keep It Fresh, Not Funky
Food safety isn’t a joke.
Unless you give your refrigerator a regular cleaning, food debris will naturally accumulate. Despite the colder temperatures, bacteria, fungi, and viruses can still thrive – albeit at a slightly slower growth rate. But, over time, they’ll start to grow, contaminating the rest of your food.
People often overlook this. They think that because the refrigerator is cold, it’s immune to bugs. That’s partly true. Refrigerators slow down decomposition, keeping your food fresh for longer. However, if your fridge is disorganized and leftovers or old yogurt get forgotten at the back, mold will grow. Rot is inevitable.
How to Keep Your Fridge Fresher
The solution? You’ll want to take out everything from your fridge. Check the dates. Throw away everything that smells off or is past its use-by date. Then, give the inside a thorough wipe down, removing all the shelves and drawers.
The best option is good organization. Keep certain food items together to prevent contamination. For example, fruit and vegetables are usually kept at the bottom – either on a shelf or (even better) in a drawer.
Meat – especially if open – shouldn’t be near any other produce. It can quickly contaminate everything else. That’s why it’s best to put it on the top shelf.
Good organization also helps you spot spoilage early and prevents spillage. You can quickly notice any issues and take action.
2. Make Your Fridge Work Smarter, Not Harder
Cleaning your built-in refrigerator isn’t just good for your health; it’s good for the fridge.
A clean fridge runs cooler and uses less electricity. Dust-free coils and unclogged vents mean the motor doesn’t have to work twice as hard for the same results. One of the main reasons built-in fridges break down is a lack of proper maintenance. Sure, someone might give the shelves a wipe down, but people often forget about cleaning the back.
Removing the dust coils can extend the appliance’s life substantially.
Unfortunately, with a built-in fridge, accessing the back can be a little tricky. Unlike a stand-alone refrigerator, you can’t just pull it out.
You’ll need to:
- Unplug and clear the area. Switch off and unplug the fridge. Move items from nearby to give yourself some space. Gently pull it forward a few inches to gain access to the back.
- Access the vents and coils. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust, cobwebs, or debris build-up.
- Wipe down the surfaces. Get a damp microfiber cloth or mild soapy water and wipe any accessible surface. Just be careful of anything electrical – especially at the back.
That’s it. When you’re done, let the fridge dry and slide it back into place. Always give it enough space at the back. Then, plug it back in and restart.
3. Save Your Food (and Your Wallet)
What’s the harm if a bit of food gets wasted? You’d be surprised.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American adult wastes about $728 per year in food that’s purchased but not consumed – or $2,912 annually for a family of four.
The USDA comes to a similar conclusion: the average family of four loses around $1,500 per year to uneaten food.
Given spiking food costs, that’s not something most people can afford to ignore.
Cleaning your built-in refrigerator (and getting it organized) ensures you stop wasting so much food. You can see what you’ve already got in, planning your meals around using up everything you bought. Simple solutions like grouping the same items together and rearranging shelves work wonders. It prevents fruit and vegetables from hiding at the back and prevents food from getting ignored.
The Hidden Cost of a Messy Fridge
The other cost-saving is from the fridge itself.
If your fridge is well-maintained and organized, air can circulate more effectively. The vents are open, free from food debris and obstructions. The result? It costs less per day to run the fridge. You might think that’s not a lot of money. But it soon adds up.
It’s estimated that a clean fridge uses approximately 5-15% less energy. Add it up, and you could save $20-$60 per year in electricity, depending on your fridge model and energy rates.
So, in total, a clean fridge is worth around $3,000 for a family of four. Plus, you’ll extend the lifespan of the fridge by 2-3 years, avoiding a costly replacement.
Trust Mr. Appliance for Refrigerator Repair in Montgomery County
Don’t wait until your refrigerator is wheezing and failing to get it serviced and repaired. Just as your built-in refrigerator needs regular cleaning, so too does it need a quality service from an experienced technician.
Mr. Appliance is here to help. We provide servicing and repairs for refrigerators – built-in and stand-alone – for all residents in Montgomery County. Our Neighborly Done Right Promise guarantees your satisfaction, ensuring your fridge is restored to perfect working order.
Book your appointment online in minutes or call today for fast, friendly, and reliable refrigerator repair in Montgomery County.
